Rep. Julie Reyes Oda

Maddy summaryHB 863 allocates state funds to the Department of Education specifically for teacher-requested classroom supplies. This bill directly affects K-12 public school teachers and students by providing resources for materials they identify as needed. The key mechanism is a funding appropriation that will be distributed through the Department of Education to schools, effective July 1, 3000. The bill passed committee with all 11 members voting in favor, indicating strong support for this funding measure.

Establishes additional regulations for the registration and use of electric bicycles. Amends the definition of electric bicycles subject to various state laws and classifies electric bicycles by top assisted speed. Defines "electric micro mobility device" and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro mobility devices. Prohibits anyone under fifteen from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Increasing the age for those required to wear a helmet when operating a bicycle. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Maddy summaryHB 146 appropriates funds to the Hawai'i Judiciary to support its 'Ōlelo Hawai'i Initiatives, which promote the use of the Hawaiian language in court settings. The bill provides specific funding for these programs, directly affecting the Judiciary's operations and language accessibility services. It does not change existing laws but allocates resources to advance the Judiciary's existing language preservation efforts, effective July 1, 2030. (Note: The abstract's "7/1/3000" appears to be a typo; the intended effective date is 2030.)

Continues a licensing scheme for licensed certified midwives and licensed certified professional midwives, to be overseen by the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs. Reestablishes the home birth task force to provide recommendations on issues related to home births. Dissolves the task force on 6/30/2026. Requires reports to the Legislature.

Requires the Department of Education's existing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) working group to create a state plan to make completion of the FAFSA or an opt-out waiver a statewide graduation requirement by the 2027-2028 school year. Requires a report to the 2026 legislature.

Excludes from the definition of "development" for purposes of coastal zone management restrictions, the reconstruction, under certain circumstances, of structures destroyed in the August 8, 2023, wildfires in Lahaina, Maui.

Amends the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act of 1920, as amended, to authorize the transfer of a living beneficiary's place on the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands' waitlist for any residential, agricultural, or pastoral tract to a qualified application successor who is at least one-fourth Hawaiian, if the beneficiary dies. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Recognizes prior teaching experience at an equal salary rating for teachers entering or reentering into the service of the Department of Education. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)

Codifies the board of education's policy for class sizes to promote quality education and positive student-teacher interactions. Informs parents if changes to class sizes are needed.

Prohibits state contractors, prospective state contractors, holders of procurement prequalification certificates, or principals of these groups from making contributions to, or soliciting contributions from their employees or from subcontractors or principals of subcontractors on behalf of, certain candidate committees, noncandidate committees, and political party committees. Requires the Procurement Policy Board to adopt rules to issue prequalification certificates to prospective contractors for public buildings or other public works. Amends the contribution limits for certain individuals and noncandidate committees. Prohibits lobbyists and certain persons related to lobbyists from soliciting contributions from client lobbyists. Increases the administrative fines.